A requirement for consolidation is the acceptance of a "common" form of energy, such as electricity, to be the predominant one. The prime environment for the consolidation of power generation is the replacement of combustion engines with electric motors in vehicles,

Even if the electricity was produced in coal plants or by burning crude oil, this would consolidate hydrocarbon power generation from millions of small engines to only a few massive power plants. In doing so the release of carbon would also be consolidated, which would allow for more regulation, and it would also increase demand for technologies that increase efficiency and decrease the release of anything harmful to the environment. This would be a gradual and realistic step.

Advantages of consolidation

Large power plants generally have a higher thermal efficiency than small ones

A few large power plants can be monitored and regulated more easily than many small ones

Disadvantages of consolidation

Centralization of electricity generation leads to transmission losses, which will partially offset the increased efficiency of generation

There may be objections from local residents to the construction of large power plants